JAMESTOWN — The Robert H. Jackson Center, a non-profit dedicated to promoting liberty under law through the examination of the life and work of Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson and its relevance to current events and issues, announced today that it has appointed Kristan McMahon as its president.

After an extensive national search led by a team of current board members, the Jackson Center selected McMahon, who will be responsible for leading its dedicated team of professionals while growing the scope, reach, and value of the organization to its local, regional, and national partners, the Jamestown community, donors and sponsors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

“We are very excited that Kristan is taking on the role of President of the Jackson Center,” says Tom Schmidt, Chair of the Jackson Center Board and current interim president. “She brings a clear vision and an exceptional combination of energy, leadership, and a legal background. We expect that Kristan will be able to continue and grow our excellent programming, but also work with partners and donors to help bring Justice Jackson’s values and message to a wider audience. The Board of Directors is looking forward to establishing a strong working relationship with Kristan as she moves into this new role.”

McMahon joins the Jackson Center after nearly 20 years as a practicing attorney and brings a wide range of experience in the non-profit and association sector. One of the hallmarks of her most recent work is the diversity and inclusion guidance she has provided to non-profits and associations over the last two years; she also brings significant non-profit board experience, on national and regional organizations. Most recently, McMahon was Principal of Vetted Solutions, a Washington, DC-based company focused on providing executive search solutions as well as diversity and inclusion and succession planning guidance to associations and non-profits across the United States. Prior to that, McMahon was Counsel-Antitrust for Verizon and a staff attorney with Howrey, LLP. She is a 1997 graduate of St. Bonaventure University and a 2000 graduate of The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. She serves on the boards of Youth For Understanding, Sitar Arts Center, and American Association of University Women-Falls Church (VA) Branch. She previously served as a member of St. Bonaventure University’s Board of Trustees and as President of St. Bonaventure’s National Alumni Association Board.

“Justice Jackson’s values and guidance are just as relevant today as they were when he served as Solicitor General, Attorney General, Supreme Court Justice or chief prosecutor of the Nuremberg Trials,” said McMahon. “He began as a successful lawyer in the Jamestown community and became a voice of conscience on the national and international stages. His commitment to social justice and civil liberties serve as a reminder for a world calling out for those qualities today. I am honored to work with our board, volunteers, and partners to ensure his wisdom continues to expand its reach.”

Leah Weinberg, search committee and board member says, “We are excited to welcome Kristan to the Jackson Center family. She is a true visionary and will move the Center forward in meaningful ways.”

McMahon will start in her role as President on April 29, 2019.

The Robert H. Jackson Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that envisions a global society where the universal principles of equality, fairness and justice prevail. The Center invites and engages students of all ages, scholars, educators, national officials and international dignitaries to analyze contemporary issues of peace and justice through the lens of Justice Jackson’s body of work.